Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Measuring Attentional Biases for Threat in Children and Adults
Published on: October 19, 2014
The measurement of threat orientations
Suzanne C Thompson1, Michèle M Schlehofer, Michelle J Bovin
1Department of Psychology, Pomona College, Claremont, CA 91711, USA. sthompson@pomona.edu
Objective:
To develop measures of 3 threat orientations that affect responses to health behavior messages.
Method:
In Study 1, college students (N = 47) completed items assessing threat orientations and health behaviors. In Study 2, college students and community adults (N = 110) completed the threat orientation items and measures of convergent and discriminant validity.
Results:
In Study 1, the control-based, denial-based, and heightened-sensitivity-based threat orientation scales demonstrated good internal consistency and correlated with engagement in health behaviors. In Study 2, the convergent and discriminant validity of the 3 measures was established.
Conclusion:
The 3 scales have good internal reliability and construct validity.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Need for Self-Esteem
Hazan and Shaver's Attachment Styles
Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood
Stereotype Threat and Self-fulfilling Prophecies
Frustration and Conflict: Approach-Approach, Approach-Avoidance
One common type of conflict is the Approach–Approach Conflict. In this case, a person faces two desirable options,...
Preparedness and Phobias

